They are saying this because the new A5 is based on an inertia driven system much like the one Benelli uses (Benelli's patent expired so Browning jumped on it).

The new A5 is like the old A5 in cosmetics only (I have an old A5). I don't have a new one, as I shoot a Beretta A400, but if you are going to spend that kind of money, I would stick with Beretta A400 or Benelli SBE II (Benelli is owned by Beretta, FYI).

I absolutely love my new A5. I like the way it shoots and handles. I like that it's inertia driven and not gas operated.

They say it kicks more but it doesn't bother me at all. I actually really like how crisp it feels when firing. I've shot an A400 several times and while it is an excellent gun as well I don't like the recoil system. It does have less recoil but I just don't like the feel of it.

The feel and balance of an inertia driven shotgun vs a gas is the main benefit (cleaniness against the older gas models but not the dual valve like the Versas Max or Benelli M4). If I were using 3 1/2" shells or the super fast 3" shells a lot, the gas option is way better for actual recoil (all of the gun makers try to tell you they have the lightest "felt" recoil.....what is that???). Also, if you plan to use the gun for duck hunting in your older years, I would go with the dual gas option. Young guns may not feel the difference, but older guys sure do. The dual gas guns (Versa Max and M4) have way better balance than the older type gas semi's IMO.

I think the new A5 "feels" better than the SBE2. They both shoot great.

I just bought one and hunted with it last week for the first time. It shoulders very nice, shot great. First four shots with it were kills. Had no issues or problems with it first time out. The gun is made in Portugal. The quality and fit of the gun assembly is good. Overall I am very pleased with it. I had an A500 back in the 80's that I loved until it wore out. The metallurgy was not very good and they ended up jamming alot when worn. This gun feels like it on your shoulder. That experience made me leary of buying the new A5 with the inersia drive, but as already stated Browning took their system and Benellis proven design and tweaked to redesigned to their own new system. I also have a Benelli SBE 2 for the last 5 years. It is a great gun but I learned you have to be sure and clean it to be sure it does not jam on extremely cold days. I already like the feel of the A5 better than the SBE. Time will tell if it will perform.

I have a 20 ga auto 5 my grandfather gave me in 93 probally. The only reason I quit shooting it was bc I shot better w my mom's citori. Long story short some day my little man will inherit my a5, it's still in tip top shape.